Wireless Communication Apparatus Network Access Policy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies for accessing the Internet via wireless local area networks (WLAN) are cumbersome, especially when direct communication between devices is difficult, and tethering restrictions limit access to a single user's terminal, making it hard for non-WWAN terminals to connect easily.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication system where a WWAN terminal, used by another user, assists in connecting a WLAN terminal to a network by forming a WLAN or relaying communication, using a connection destination selection policy and subscriber identification information for authentication, allowing easier network access without the need for tethering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If tethering is used to enable Internet access by relaying communication through another wireless terminal, then non-WWAN terminals can access the Internet, but access is restricted to terminals used by identical users and requires manual configuration processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork access capabilityVSAvoidconnection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a base station as an intermediary that facilitates authentication between the terminal and the network. The base station transmits authentication information to the terminal, which then uses this information to authenticate with the relay terminal. This mediator approach eliminates the need for manual configuration and expands access beyond identical user groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The base station performs preliminary authentication by transmitting authentication information to the terminal before the actual network connection is established. This preliminary action prepares the terminal with necessary credentials, simplifying the subsequent connection process and eliminating manual configuration steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual processes such as searching for access points and inputting identifiers and passwords are required for WLAN connection, then network security is maintained, but the connection process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidconnection establishment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The base station performs preliminary authentication by transmitting authentication information to the terminal before the actual network connection is established. This preliminary action prepares the terminal with necessary credentials, simplifying the subsequent connection process and eliminating manual configuration steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where the base station provides authentication information to the terminal, and the terminal automatically uses this information for authentication with the relay terminal. This feedback loop eliminates manual intervention while maintaining security protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If tethering restrictions limit access to a single user's terminal, then user-specific security is maintained, but access to the Internet by other terminals is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser-specific securityVSAvoidterminal access flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The base station acts as an intermediary that manages authentication for multiple terminals. It transmits authentication information to authorized terminals, enabling them to connect through relay terminals. This mediator approach maintains user-specific security while allowing flexible access for authorized users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication mechanism is designed to be universal, allowing multiple terminals to authenticate through the base station using the transmitted authentication information. This multi-functional approach enables different terminals to access the network while maintaining security, moving beyond the limitation of single-user tethering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3709765B1Wireless communication apparatus, wireless communication method, and program
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3709765B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3709765B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3709765B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Object] To provide a wireless communication apparatus, a wireless communication method, and a program being novel and improved by which connection to a network can be made more easily. [Solution] A wireless communication apparatus including: a first wireless communication unit configured to connect to a first network to perform wireless communication; and a control unit configured to assist connection, to a second network corresponding to a connection destination selection policy of another wireless communication apparatus received by the first wireless communication unit, by a wireless terminal related to the other wireless communication apparatus.